Travelers dropping in to stay the night at the park celebrate Christmas

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com

The cold, rainy, windy weather didn’t dampen the first year festivities of Christmas in the Park at the Daingerfield State Park held Dec. 13 and 14. This event was hosted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife and occurs in many of the state parks across Texas.
Onlie McGee, Ranger III and interpreter, said she was excited to have the event at Daingerfield.
“This is our first year to have Christmas in the Park,” Ranger McGee said. “Some of the other parks have already been doing this. Tasha Rowe who works in our parks store has transferred from Atlanta State Park and suggested we do this at our park.
“In the Christmas spirit, we allowed all the campers to come out and stay for free for four days. The only requirement was that they decorate their campsite.”
Ranger McGee said there were reservations to have the park full; however, due to weather and illness, there were some cancellations.
“We ended up still having 22 decorated sites,” she said. “We had the pavilion decorated. Santa Claus was here both nights of the celebration. He arrived at 6 and stayed until 10. April Driggers come out Saturday and sang Christmas carols.